Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker (Wis 13:5); indeed, his eternal power and divinity have been made known through his works since the creation of the world
Laudato Si' 12
In Laudato Si', Pope Francis gave voice to the concept of integral ecology which emphasizes the deep connection between our relationships with each other and the Lord Jesus as members of His One Body, as well as all creation. We are called to rediscover in awe and wonder the beauty of creation and at the same time, respond to the cry of the earth.
In the Diocese of Sacramento, we see God's gifts through the environmental richness and diversity in every corner of our diocese. However, we face tremendous challenges due to fires, floods, drought and climate change. The Diocese of Sacramento commits to responding to Pope Francis's urgent call through several activities that encourages each of us to Reflect, Act and Evaluate.
Reflect
Laudato Si' tells us that "an integral ecology includes taking time to recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and our ideals, and contemplating the Creator who lives among us and surrounds us, whose presence 'must not be contrived but found, uncovered'." (LS 225).
In 2022, we start a profound period of reflection that supports deepening the ecological conversion to which St. John Paul II and Pope Francis call us to. Reflection includes a consideration of how our Diocese and each Parish's unique values and identity relate to the Laudato Si' goals.
Parish Pastoral Council Reflection Guides: We invite all Parish Pastoral Councils to use these Reflection Guides:
Act
The Diocese will encourage individuals, families, and Parishes to take concrete actions towards the Laudato Si’ goals.
We are committed to:
- Annual Gathering
- In 2022, we hosted our Annual Gathering on September 9th at St. Anthony's Parish in Winters.
- Catholic Herald November-December 2022 Issue: For the Love of Creation
- Host Regional Meetings: The Diocese covers 20 counties, each with diverse challenges. We are dividing the Diocese in three regions: North State, Sacramento, and Yolo-Solano.
- First Regional Meetings: November 2022
- To receive updates for the Regional Meetings, please email Laura Rios, lrios@scd.org
- Provide Activities, Resources & Prayers
- Prayers:
- The 2023 Liturgical Calendar now includes: Rogation Days (May) and Ember Days (September)
- Activities:
- Emergency Preparedness Virtual Course - Coming Soon!
- Resources
- Prayers:
Evaluate
As we develop greater “care for our brothers and sisters and for the natural environment”, we begin to see “the moral imperative of assessing the impact of our every action and personal decision on the world around us.” (LS 208). Evaluation includes an annual self-assessment of progress and create a Laudato Si’ plan for the coming year and celebrating any progress made.
During the Season of Creation, we invite Care for Creation teams and ministries as well as all parishioners to convene and celebrate, give thanks, and prepare for another Season of Creation.
Resources
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Laudato Si'
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California Catholic Conference
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Additional Catholic Resources
- Catholic Climate Covenant: Care for Creation. Care for the Poor.
- Laudato Si' Action Platform
- Laudato Si' Movement: Catholics for Our Common Home
Video Resources